Meet our team
Our JOF Board
Our board is composed of committed volunteers with backgrounds in orthopedic clinical care, education, research, management, and nonprofit leadership.
Catherine Matthews, RN-Retired
Chair Catherine Matthews has been an orthopedic nurse since she graduated from Samuel Merritt University over 45 years ago. Always choosing to remain at the bedside caring for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, she recently opted to retire from her lifelong profession of hospital nursing. Cathy has been an official member of the Jackson Orthopedic Foundation Board of Directors for two years, but she has volunteered with JOF for the past ten years. A skilled instructor and a knowledgeable clinician, Cathy brings a wealth of experience to Board meetings and events. |
Kathleen A. Geier, DNP, FNP-C
Secretary Nurse Practitioner Dr. Kathleen A. Geier has over 40 years' experience as an orthopedic nurse. She is certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Orthopedic Nurse, with clinical experience in providing musculoskeletal care to patients of all ages and developmental stages. Dr. Geier specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating chronic and stable musculoskeletal conditions and minor fractures. She currently coordinates and co-teaches JOF's Orthopedic Primary Care course with Dr. AJ Benham, and is widely published in professional nursing literature. She is a founding partner of Jackson Orthopedic Foundation and has served on the Board of Directors since the organization's beginnings in 1998. |
Peter Slabaugh, MD
Medical Director Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Peter Slabaugh specializes in surgical and nonsurgical treatment of spinal disorders, including pediatric conditions, scoliosis, fractures, and back pain associated with arthritis and other spine conditions. He is a clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Highland Hospital’s Orthopedic Clinic and has extensive experience evaluating and treating fractures. A frequently sought-after speaker, Dr. Slabaugh has also authored and published many articles in professional journals. |
Justin Clark
Treasurer Principal and Co-Founder, Social Change Consulting Justin Clark is Principal and Co-Founder of Social Change Consulting in Oakland. He has over fifteen years of nonprofit experience, with expertise in online fundraising, email communication strategy, relationship management, and data management. Justin concentrates on using technology and data to help nonprofits reach more people with their mission and story. He began working with JOF as a consultant and is excited to now support the organization as a Board member. Justin is no stranger to orthopedic health issues due to his personal experience with Marfan syndrome. |
Our staff and collaborative partners
Kathleen A. Geier, DNP, FNP-C
Director: Orthopedic Nursing Education AJ Benham, DNP, FNP-C Instructor, Curriculum Developer: Orthopedic Nursing Education Assistant Professor: Department of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University Laura Balassone, RN MSN NP-C RNFA Instructor |
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Maggie Macy, RN
Healthcare Immersion Program Coordinator Jacob Geier, M.Sc. Instructor & Healthcare Immersion Program Consultant Tom Wagner Administrative Director Tim Hart Marketing Consultant |